Richland 2 student brought gun, drugs onto school property, sheriff’s department says
A 17-year-old Richland 2 student was arrested Thursday after bringing a gun and drugs onto school property, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
A school resource officer at Westwood High School discovered the weapon and a small amount of marijuana after conducting a search of the student and his vehicle in the Blythewood school’s parking lot following a minor vehicle collision, the sheriff’s department said in a statement. There is no evidence the student threatened any other students or staff with the gun, according to the news release.
The firearm and drugs were found while administrators were tending to the parking lot collision and the school resource officer smelled the scent of marijuana wafting from vehicle of one of the student’s involved, according to the statement.
Upon searching the vehicle, administrators found a small amount of marijuana and 9mm ammunition, the sheriff’s department said. A subsequent search of the student turned up the gun in his waistband, according to the sheriff’s department.
The student, whose name was not released due to his age, was charged with carrying a firearm on school property and simple possession of marijuana, and booked into the juvenile wing of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
This story was originally published February 24, 2023 at 8:20 AM.